Garbage / Solid Waste

Waste Material & Disposal Methods

Solid waste is a broad term which is used to include many kinds of the materials that we dispose of. Many solid waste materials can cause severe environmental harm if improperly disposed of, so it is important to properly dispose of solid waste.

Solid waste is categorized into several classes, according to type of waste material, the source of the waste material, and the preferred disposal methods for the material.

Types of Solid Waste

Mixed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) - MSW is what most of us refer to as garbage. It consists of a mixture of waste from many different sources. It includes general household waste, office waste, waste from retail stores or other businesses, other miscellaneous, non-hazardous waste. MSW must be disposed of at a facility specifically permitted to accept MSW.

Industrial Solid Waste (ISW) - Industrial wastes are waste materials generated by a specific industrial or manufacturing process. Industrial waste is typically collected as a separated waste stream and can be evaluated and managed on a case-by-case basis. Examples of industrial waste materials include resins, spent filter media, foundry sands, etc. Some industrial wastes may be disposed of at MSW landfills, if they are tested and meet the facility acceptance requirements. The Ponderosa Landfill accepts some industrial wastes for disposal.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste does not fall under the category of solid waste. Hazardous wastes may not be disposed of at a solid waste facility. Find out how to manage your hazardous waste.